Dylan called right after dinner. Atlas answered with a few "yeahs" before hanging up.Then he returned to the table, calmly finishing the meal with the family before saying, "I need to step out for a moment. I'll be back a little later."I could tell by his demeanor that something important had come up.I suggested, "Let's go together. I'll visit Lauren."Ava wasn't too pleased and ran over to us, standing before us like a teacher. "You guys are always so busy. Can't you spend some time with me at home? You make me feel lonely!"Aware of her loneliness, Atlas had already arranged for Jenny to keep her company. Yet, here she was, using loneliness to manipulate us.We exchanged smiles, and Atlas bent down, picking up the little troublemaker. In a gentle tone, he said, "I'm sorry. I know I'm wrong. I'll make sure to pay more attention to you next time.""What about you, Mommy? Why aren't you sorry?" Ava looked at me solemnly, waiting for my response.I quickly adopted a serious

I felt a twinge of jealousy when he mentioned growing up with the real Stella. Not to mention the affectionate photo of them together.Growing up together fostered a strong bond."So, what's her relationship with Annalise? Why does everyone say you love Annalise?" I looked at Atlas's handsome features, always wanting to unravel the mystery.The more worried I became, the more I felt that many things were hazy and just out of reach.I didn't know if it was my dullness or Atlas was genuinely trying to protect me. I'm sure he had his reasons.Could it be that, as this impostor Stella claimed, there was a secret he couldn’t reveal?Atlas hugged me tightly, making me feel at home. Perhaps he treated me this way because I closely resembled the real Stella."Don't listen to what others are saying. They’re just trying to confuse you. Just trust in what I say," he reminded me once again."Looking back, after my parents passed away, I didn't even know what happiness meant. Everyone in my

Atlas and I didn’t hurry to work the following day because we needed to move to Pleca Park. Molly and my mom had already packed the daily necessities. However, we didn’t need to bring much since Atlas had prepared everything there.Ava and Jenny curiously followed us. Ava asked where we were going and why they didn’t have to attend school that day. When I told her and Ava we were going to a new home, Ava stared at me in surprise. She asked, “Do we have a new home?”I nodded. “Yes, we do. It’s Uncle Atlas’s home.”Atlas quickly corrected, “It's our new home.”Ava asked, “Is it where you and Mommy will stay after getting married?”“Is it?” Atlas asked as if that was indeed the reason. I felt embarrassed as I stole a glance at my seemingly indifferent dad. It lightened my heart to see that.I knew my parents’ impression of Atlas changed after he brought Ava back from the kidnappers. My mom and dad were no longer as hesitant about my and Atlas’s relationship, especially after seeing

I instinctively brought the photos closer for a careful examination. Then I looked at Trinity with amazement and asked, “How’d you get these?!”Trinity smirked. “I have my ways.”I grew excited. “My entire situation hinges on these. I never thought you’d obtain such crucial evidence so effortlessly. Things will be much easier for me now.”Trinity looked at me and dampened my enthusiasm. “Don’t get too excited. These photos can only nail Keegan, but you still can’t touch Liora. She’s the one pulling the strings, after all. She’ll escalate things if you can’t deal with her this time. She’s your real threat.”I didn’t expect Trinity to understand me so thoroughly. It seemed I had underestimated her. After some thought, I tapped the photos to the back of my hand, muttering, “I’ll stay put for now and let Liora get anxious.”Trinity spoke cunningly, “Then you must play the part well.”I knew she was more cunning than I thought. I had to learn from her tactics, so I asked for her advic

Anson smiled at me, saying, “It’s good that you like the idea. Let’s get to it then.”I didn’t know how to respond, but he kept looking at me. He seemed displeased and asked, “What’s wrong, Chloe? Do you disagree?”My mind raced as the situation astounded me. Still, I knew disagreeing would contradict what I had just told Trinity. On the other hand, I didn’t expect this with the Huffmans. I never wanted to have dealings with a family of the Huffmans’ status. After all, they differed from the Beringers.I became a goddaughter to the Beringers because I understood Atlas’s connection to them. It was also because of Atlas’s subtle intervention.However, the Huffmans belonged to an entirely different category. I knew the term sworn sisters carried significant weight, especially to Anson. Most would keep their distance from such families, but I had little time to think.Anson awaited my response, and the Huffmans’ loyal guards were watching me. It would humiliate Trinity if I refused. U